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How many steps in Hokkaido
Me standing in front of the ferry from Muroran. 99.10.24/ Temperature: NA/ Weather: Partly cloudy/ Wind Direction: W
Current Location: Aomori City, Mainland Japan/ Latitude: 40 49 44 N /Longitude: 140 44 13 E
Distance Traveled: 0 km (Rest day)The wind blew so hard I felt like I would be blasted off the deck by a large gust of wind. Bright lights of Muroran twinkled in the distance as the ferry left the harbor. After five weeks andc kilometers, I have made my way across Hokkaido.
We have encountered all kinds of people and discovered several of the little things people do to make living clever. Living off of the rich sea along the north coast of Hokkaido our fishing friends in Utoro showed that it is possible to eat healthily without creating trash. Farmer friends working the valley bed fields of Ashioro shared with us the witty practice of sun drying corn kernels. Mr. Kaizawa explained how Ainu culture respects all of nature. (see Wisdom reports #'s 028)There have been repeated run-ins with ways clever ways of living that have been passed down through generations and suit the climate and needs of each place.
Along the journey I have also been in contact with many new endeavors to live cleverly and in harmony with nature. In the suburbs of Sapporo a young company struggles to repair, reuse, and recycle cars to the fullest. An entire complex has been devoted to creating zero emission in Sapporo. I even came across a company that is converting shells, which used to be 'industrial waste', into powder which has positive effects for health and the environment. (see Wisdom reports #'s 039)
We have all been searching together for over a month. Every day for me has been packed with walking, seeing, hearing and feeling. Most importantly, it has been full of encounters with people. If we all continue to share the witty innovations of our own towns and cities, our discoveries will grow.
For as many people I have met along the way, there seem to be just as many innovations or clever ways to live. Are you beginning to get an idea about what kind of living YOU THINK is clever?
Before I begin my way down through the main island of Japan I am anxious to hear what all of you think about wisdom. The climate, geography and culture of northern Japan are bound to be yet another adventure.
Greg
PS. How many steps did you think I took in Hokkaido? I have measured my steps everyday for the past five weeks and am collecting guesses for how many paces I have made since day one. How many do you think? How many paces does each of you walk per day?
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